Happy New Year!
2023 is upon us - here are some easy ways to up your sustainability game this year.
Image source: Karolina Grabowska via Pexels.com
1. Use cold/lukewarm water.
By using cold water for doing laundry, washing your face, brushing your teeth, etc., you can reduce your environmental impact by over 860lbs of CO2 emissions a year! (Source: moveforhunger.org)
2. Recycle/sell any old electronics.
Do your New Year's Eve festivities include deep cleaning your entire space and donating everything in sight? This tip is perfect for you - you can donate any of your old electronic devices to contribute to the amount of recyclable materials used to make new products!
3. Have a DIY-themed Saturday.
Are you the crafty type? Or have you never picked up a sewing needle in your life? Regardless of your experience level, the new year is the perfect time to learn a new skill. Spend a day upcycling old clothes - you might be surprised how quickly an old piece can transform into something new. (Need inspo? Check out brightly.eco's awesome guide on easy ways to upcycle old pieces!)
4. Cut out the single-use plastic/paper.
Are you guilty of drinking your coffee from a disposable cup every day? This tip is an ultra-simple way to reduce your environmental impact: make your coffee at home! Plus, this study by NIST.gov discovered that everyday plastic products release trillions of microscopic particles into our water. The best way to avoid extra consumption, microparticles, and waste is to 1) use a reusable mug or 2) just make your coffee at home. Not only will you save money - you'll save the world. (Or, you'll at least contribute to the overall world-saving process.)
5. Use public transport.
Depending on your location, this tip can be a huge carbon emissions saver: If you live in an are with accessible public transport, consider using it once or twice a week! According to climate.selectra.com, using public transport can lead to a reduction in atmospheric pollution, and even improved air quality in cities.
Nobody's perfect, but in the words of zero waste chef Anne-Marie Bonneau, "We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly."
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